The Cowboy Code

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The "Cowboy Code" or "Code of the West" was not actually written down. But there was a system in place for a lot of the conduct in the Old West. We'll discuss Zen-like proverbs, ethics, manners and whatever else seems like a good idea at the time.

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I agree one hundred percent. Being a good man is what its all about. This 'Cowboy Code' is saying the same thing with a western accent. The 'Redneck Code' says it with a Southern Accent and there are many more. So what do we do about this site?

Well in stating my credentials yes. I believe that having lived the life of a cowboy most of my life has earned me the right to claim it. With that said, that was not really the point I was trying to make in my earlier post. The point was to clarify for several others who have asked the question if "American Redneck" counts as "Cowboy".I can appreciate the ideals and romanticism of "The Cowboy" as it is being used most commonly here. The American Knight so to speak. Western chivarly and what-not. The way I was raised that's not being a cowboy, that's just being a good man.

So, Tex, you are going by the literal meaning of cowboy, that is someone who works with cattle. Ok, but it will limit the contributions here. When I was a kid I worked on a horse ranch and later on a guest ranch. Does that count?

Now I've been a cowboy most of my life. I've been involved with rodeos and workin' cattle. I've been up 'til the crack of dawn birthin' a first-calf heifer. I've spent a few months breakin' horses for a livin'. I think that gives me the necessary credentials to say that to call a Cowboy a Redneck is guaranteed to end in violence. There may be some that claim both, but there are far more that will fight to their last breath over the two being mutually exclusive.

B'H Cowboys were hard working 'blue-collar' men. The term redneck comes from the red neckerchiefs worn by union members when they went to help miners form unions in the south. I think that redneck and cowboy are related. I grew up in Ohio, Kentucky and Indiana and moved west 13 years ago. All backwoodsmen and outdoor workers of any kind fit the bill in my book.

By the way, I work part time as a trail and wilderness guide and naturalist. I began my formal training 13 years ago and have learned a lot from the land and the native peoples and the trained naturalists with whom I travel this path.

I agree with you Andy. When I did ranch work it was usually in a t-shirt and ball cap unless the sun or the brush got too bad. Most of the people that shop at Cavender's down here haven't even been on a horse!

A true cowboy is more than someone in boots and a Stetson hat. It's a true, tough man. Someone who can be a solid, unbreaking wall when trouble comes, yet be gentle and caring to the woman, children, and family that he loves. I wear Justin boots, my grandfather's denim coat or my leather jacket (looks nicer) when cold, button down shirt, jeans or trousers, and brown felt cowboy hat, daily, but that alone doesn't make me a true cowboy.

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